Camilla should not attend Diana's memorial service, says public poll

A clear majority of people believe the Duchess of Cornwall should not go to the memorial service for Princess Diana later this month.

A poll for the Daily Mail shows 54 per cent feel the presence of the woman famously described by Diana as the third person in her marriage would be "inappropriate".

Just 39 per cent say she should attend. Women are even more strongly opposed, with 61 per cent against.

The finding is one of a string which will alarm supporters of Charles and Camilla.

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For the first time, most Britons now want the crown to pass to Prince William rather than his father when the Queen dies or decides to abdicate.

Even if Charles does become King, a large majority oppose Camilla being Queen - reversing a finding last year.

The ICM survey indicates a significant hardening of attitudes in the last 18 months. The "Camilla bounce" which followed the couple's wedding in April 2005 appears to have ended.

Of most immediate concern to Clarence House will be the swelling controversy over the August 31 service to mark the 10th anniversary of Diana's death.

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Diana often described Camilla as the third wheel in her marriage

Charles is said to have insisted that Camilla be at his side in the Guards Chapel at Wellington Barracks in Lon-Support for William is particudon - where she married her first husband, Captain Andrew Parker Bowles, in 1973. larly strong among women and younger people. Some 71 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds want him to be the next king, as do 57 per cent of women.

The increase in support for William may reflect his higher public profile as he has started to take on more Royal duties.

Tony Blair's former spin doctor Alistair Campbell claimed in his controversial diaries last month that Diana wanted William to inherit the throne directly from the Queen.

There is some comfort for Charles and Camilla in a finding that 26 per cent of people claim to like the duchess more since her marriage.

But 51 per cent insist their view has not been changed and 13 per cent say they like her less.

The nation is also divided over whether the marriage has improved the standing of the Royal Family. Some 39 per cent say the institution has been strengthened but 37 per cent believe it has been weakened.

• Almost two-thirds of people think Prince Harry should have been allowed to serve in Iraq.

The 22-year-old was said to have felt "humiliated" earlier this year when he was barred from joining his Blues and Royals reconnaissance troop on a six-month tour there.

Today's survey found 61 per cent of people agreed Harry should be able to serve as a fighting soldier. Among 18 to 24-year-olds, 77 per cent were in favour, with only 21 per cent against.

Some 52 per cent believe he should stay in the armed forces, despite the decision, but 43 per cent say he should leave.